Difference between fascism and imperialism

Fascism vs imperialism:

It is no secret that all political movements in the world are born out of influence of other political movements which have existed before them. Thus, fascism and imperialism too are two political ideologies that have nourished each other and got involved in fashioning one another as a result of which the two share certain similarities. Yet, there do exist certain very distinctive differences between these two political movements which are quite grave in nature. Thereby, this article aims to enlighten those of who are yet blind to the distinction between fascism and imperialism by providing brief descriptions regarding the two including a short account of their differences as well that will define what these ideologies truly stand for.

What is fascism? Fascism is a political ideology that emerged during the years 1919-45 which promotes political violence and war, with the aim of creating national regeneration, spirit and vitality. It believes that rejuvenation of their nation can be achieved by uniting its people who are connected by common factors such as ancestry, culture, and blood through a totalitarian single-party state which will seek to achieve the above goal through discipline, indoctrination, physical education and eugenics. A fascist society believes that foreign influences cause a nation to degenerate and therefore it recognizes the need of purifying itself of these factors that do not fit in to the culture or the nature of a given nation. A fascist nation is led by a supreme leader who exercises dictatorship over the state as fascism rejects liberal democracy based upon majority rule as well as the parliamentary system. Fascism is a term that originated from fascists of Italy under the reign of Mussolini.

What is imperialism? Following the thoughts of expansionists and communists groups, domains such as Mongols, Romans, Ottomans, Holy Romans, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Persian, French, Russian, Chinese and British have followed the theory of imperialism throughout 500 years. Imperialism can be defined as the domination of a society over another by both economically and politically which is autocratic in nature that does not allow individual variation. Although imperialism was seen in the Roman and Chinese empires in the ancient times, imperialism emerged as a clear cut phenomenon in the 19th century when European nations that are technologically advanced than other nations in the world started to overpower the continents of Africa, America and Asia. Imperialism can also be seen in religious and political beliefs and Christianity and Islam are two good instances where imperialism in religion is practiced. Communism, on the other hand is an instance where imperialism with regards to political ideas is brought out.

What is the difference between imperialism and fascism? Although fascism and imperialism do portray certain similar characteristics, it must be pointed out that they differ from one another in very significant ways. The differences commence from the very origins of the two theories themselves. Fascism derived at the break of the French revolution with leaders such as Benito Mussolini whereas imperialism has been practiced from the very ancient times, continuing to even today from the Roman and British empires. It is very clear that imperialism had lasted much longer than fascism which is often seen as a brutal and an extremist regiment whereas imperialism is largely supported by the citizens of the respective empires. The reason is that fascism is seen as a totalitarian and an oppressive government whereas imperialism treats its citizens in a favorable way. Because of the above mentioned factor, the influence of the imperialism of the British Empire, the Roman Empire and etc can still be seen and felt in their arts and culture. The influence of fascism on the other hand, rapidly faded away after the dictators perished.

Fascism is seen as an ideology that reveled in bloodshed, tyranny and mass violation of human rights. People’s freedom of speech and expression, even their right to life was taken away during Mussolini’s and Stalin’s times where great tragedies took place such as the killings of millions of Russians in the infamous Stalinist purges. Imperialism too however, has practiced a great deal of violence on the natives and yet, today, those incidents are not looked upon with repulsion, but rather as part and parcel of the history. Imperialism has left its colonies with a great deal of development such as the introduction of railway and telegraph, building of roads and bridges and etc, because of which sometimes, imperialism is even looked at in a nostalgic way. The tragic incidents that took place, the mass bloodshed that occurred during the fascist times however are looked upon with disgust and repulsion by people today.

Summary

Fascism derived at the break of the French revolution with leaders such as Benito Mussolini whereas imperialism has been practiced from the very ancient times, continuing to even today from the Roman and British empires.

Imperialism had lasted much longer than fascism.

Fascism is seen as an ideology that reveled in bloodshed, tyranny and mass violation of human rights.

Imperialism has left the colonies with a great deal of development such as the introduction of railway and telegraph, building of roads and bridges and etc.